FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-74/10

Title and Subtitle: Multiple-task performance as a predictor of the potential of air traffic controller trainees: A follow-up study

Report Date: November 1974

Authors: Chiles WD, West G

Abstract: Two hundred and twenty-nine air traffic controller trainees were tested on the CAMI Multiple Task Performance Battery. The battery provides objective measures of monitoring, arithmetical skills, visual discrimination, and group problem solving. The criterion of trainee potential was based on ratings from FAA Academy instructors in courses being attended by the trainees.

Five studies were conducted. For each study, the quality coefficient is based on one hour of testing with about 50 minutes of preceding instruction and practice. It is concluded that the MTPB-approach to selection offers promise as a screening device for air traffic control specialist applicants, but further research is required to establish this as a fact and to determine its utility in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Key Words: Selection, Complex Performance

No. of Pages: 4